Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. Points are selected based on a Chinese medical pattern diagnosis determined by the symptoms you are experiencing, the shape and color of your tongue and the quality of your pulse.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as qi or chi (CHEE) — that flows through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, obstructions in the meridian flow are removed and balance is restored to the body.
Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as areas that stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers and increases blood circulation.
Acupuncture is most commonly used for pain but has many other applications. Such applications include: improvement in sleep and digestion, the treatment of gynecological conditions, infertility, addictions, stress relief and much more.